Heavenly Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our exquisite Smothered Chicken recipe. Tender chicken breasts are enveloped in a rich and creamy spinach sauce, studded with crispy bacon and earthy mushrooms. This dish is a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home or entertaining guests, this Smothered Chicken recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1.5 lb chicken breast, skinless and boneless (4 small chicken breast or 2 large chicken breast, halved)
• Salt, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

For the Creamed Spinach:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 10 oz fresh spinach
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2/3 cup half and half
• 2/3 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Other Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 4 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
• 4 slices Pepper Jack cheese or Monterey Jack Cheese with Jalapenos

Instructions:

Chicken Preparation:

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt, lemon pepper seasoning, and paprika on both sides.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat.
3. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Creamed Spinach Preparation:

1. In the same skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, stirring occasionally.
4. Pour in the half and half and shredded mozzarella cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
5. Remove the skillet from heat and set aside.

Mushroom and Bacon:

1. In a separate skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
2. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until they are golden brown and tender.
3. Add the cooked and chopped bacon to the skillet with the mushrooms and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Assembling the Dish:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the cooked chicken breasts in a baking dish.
3. Spoon the creamed spinach over the chicken breasts, spreading it evenly.
4. Top each chicken breast with the sautéed mushrooms and bacon mixture.
5. Place a slice of Pepper Jack or Monterey Jack cheese on top of each chicken breast.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Cheese Options: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste preferences. Gouda, Swiss, or cheddar would also work well in this recipe.
• Spinach Substitute: If you’re not a fan of spinach, you can substitute it with kale or Swiss chard for a similar creamy texture.
• Bacon Enhancement: For an extra burst of flavor, try using maple or applewood smoked bacon in place of regular bacon.

Keto and Low-Carb Version:

For a keto-friendly or low-carb version of this recipe, you can make the following adjustments:

• Replace Half and Half: Substitute heavy cream or coconut cream for half and half to reduce the carb content.
• Omit Breadcrumbs: If you prefer a lower-carb option, skip the breadcrumbs in the creamed spinach or use a keto-friendly breadcrumb alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh? A: Yes, frozen spinach can be used as a substitute for fresh spinach in this recipe. Simply thaw and drain the spinach before adding it to the skillet.

Q: Can I prepare this dish in advance? A: Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to cover it tightly with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from drying out.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze any leftover portions in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Indulge in the luxurious flavors of our Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms. This savory dish is a feast for the senses, combining tender chicken, creamy spinach sauce, crispy bacon, and earthy mushrooms. Whether you’re following a keto diet or simply seeking a comforting meal, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your guests. Try it tonight and experience the irresistible allure of homemade comfort food at its finest!